NFL Rumors: New York Giants GM Insists He Has No Interest In Signing Jadaveon Clowney, Markus Golden

New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman set the record straight as he claimed to have no interest in signing free agents Jadeveon Clowney and Markus Golden. The 69-year-old made his stand clear following reports that say his team will be prioritizing pass rushers for its potential signings for next season.

Gettleman stressed that there is not much of a need for the Giants to acquire defensive talents from the market, pointing out that the team’s high ceiling with its young core will keep them afloat.

“Well, part of the tight rope that I walk on is short-term and long-term. Part of the long-term is we have some good, young players right now. We’ve got Dalvin Tomlinson, (Evan) Engram and (Jabrill) Peppers. We have to make decisions on them. They’re some good, young players. After another year, you guys are going to be banging on me about Saquon (Barkley),” Gettleman said, per Giants Wire’s Dan Benton.

Apparently, signing Clowney and Golden is already a far-fetched reality right at the onset as the Giants do not have enough space in their salary cap to even come up with a discussion.

Based on reports, the free agents are seeking “for deals in excess of $10 million annually,” whereas New York holds just $16 million in their cap.

“As I used to tell the guys down in Charlotte, when you wouldn’t spend all your money in free agency, I’d say, ‘Listen, you’re going to kill me about this? Well, you’re going to double kill me when we don’t have money to extend Luke Kuechly or Cam Newton or whomever.’ It’s a collaborative decision we make as we talk about how we’re moving forward. Right now, this is the decision we made. We’re just going to move forward the way we are now.”

Besides, the Giants will still have the chance to add a reliable rusher without having to exhaust their cash. With the NFL Draft just around the corner, Gettleman is reportedly inclined in selecting Clemson Tigers linebacker Isaiah Simmons.

The 29-year-old Golden, who signed a one-year deal with the Giants last season, had a stellar run in 2019, scattering 72 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss and a team-high 10 sacks for New York. Clowney, meanwhile, posted 31 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, four forced fumbles and an interception in 13 games during his single season with the Seattle Seahawks.